The platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonist lexipafant has a role in the treatment of acute pancreatitis, according to research findings presented at the 5th International Congress on Platelet-Activating Factor and Related Lipid Mediators [Berlin, Germany; September 1995]. The therapeutic potential of PAF antagonists is currently under investigation in several indications, particularly inflammatory diseases. Few convincing findings on the therapeutic value of these agents have been presented to date, but the latest data are encouraging.